Goodbye, 2022. Hello, 2023! |
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Hi neighbor,
2022 was a very memorable year and 2023 will be even greater. I had the wonderful pleasure of spending Christmas with the families and staff at Evans Lane Interim Housing.
THANK YOU to those who donated toys and jackets during our gift drive. All of the children's faces lit up with joy when they unwrapped their presents. Their happiness was the greatest gift this holiday season.
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I'd also like to thank all of the residents who reach out to my office via phone calls and emails about blight, crime, homeless encampments, and street issues. Your involvement goes a lot farther than you know. My staff and I truly appreciate finding solutions with you. What you would like to see accomplished in District 6 is also what we want. As always, my goal is to serve residents so their quality of life is high and so that they always love where they live.
I'll be hosting my January Virtual Office Hours on Wednesday, January 11th, and our State of the District Address in February (time and place TBD). Both events are intended to give you the opportunity to learn more about what we are doing at City Hall to improve City services and for you to share your concerns with me.
In this newsletter, you will find many resources to keep you and your loved ones safe during this storm season. I strongly encourage you to sign up for emergency alerts at AlertSCC.org. Below are a few storm and high-wind preparedness tips.
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Please stay dry and drive cautiously.
Best,
Dev
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January Office Hours
Let's start this year with strong collaboration. Please join me for this month's Office Hours on Wednesday, January 11th on Zoom from 5:30PM-6:30PM.
I look forward to hearing what you want to see done in District 6 this year.
If you are not able to join me on Zoom, send my office an email with your question or concern. Please feel free to also call my office: (408) 535-4906.
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2023 State of District 6: In-Person or Virtual
It is almost time for our annual State of the District Address. This event is a time for us to meet and discuss what we achieved for our District in the past year. We will also brainstorm and strategize what we will accomplish in 2023 at this Address.
Please let me know if you would like this year's State of the District to be in person or virtual in this form. Stay tuned for dates and details.
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Elimination of Parking Minimums
In December, my colleagues and I voted to remove the City’s outdated parking minimums policy. This policy required developers to build parking proportionate to the impacts of their projects. As our City continues to grow it is important to me that we are maximizing our land use for important projects such as affordable housing, and this action allows us to do that.
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Community Stabilization and
Opportunities Pathways Fund Commission
Development in Downtown West is moving forward and City Council took an important step to ensure that the community sees the benefits of this project last month. Members of the Community Stabilization and Opportunities Pathways Fund Commission were approved and their work will begin early this year. They will be tasked with helping guide $150 million of Google’s investment toward community benefit projects. I am excited to share those updates with you when they come.
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How to Ring in the New Year in Our District |
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Annual Rose Garden Pruning
Help keep our Rose Garden beautiful by volunteering at the Annual Rose Garden Pruning on Saturday, January 7th from 8AM-12:30PM.
Tools and instructions will be provided when you arrive. Please bring closed-toe shoes and warm clothing.
Register as a volunteer here.
This event will be held rain or shine!
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You're Invited to the
U.S. Olympic Flag Raising
In honor of this special event, my colleagues and I will be raising the U.S. Olympic flag in the Rotunda at City Hall on Tuesday, January 10th from 12PM-1PM.
This event is free and open to all. Free bike parking is available at City Hall and parking will be validated for those who park in the garage under City Hall on S. 6th and E. Santa Clara Street.
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Pet Crates are Needed
The heavy rain affects pets, too. If you have any old or unused pet crates, please donate them.
Large or extra-large crates are greatly appreciated. Please donate your crates at the Care Center at 2750 Monterey Road between 9AM-5PM.
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Tutor Adults to Improve Their Reading and Writing Skills
If one of your New Year's resolutions was to give back to your community, become a tutor. Adults who want to build their reading, writing, and speaking skills need you.
Tutors are volunteers and must attend the volunteer orientation on Wednesday, January 18th from 6PM-8PM at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library.
Learn more about the tutoring program and register for the orientation here.
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Care Kits for Families and Individuals in Interim Housing |
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District 6 residents showed up for the families at Evans Lane Interim Housing this Christmas and I believe you will also show up for all of the interim housing locations across San Jose. Families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness and the transition into emergency housing are in need of Welcome Home Kits and Care Kits. All items must be brand new. Please schedule kit drop-offs by emailing pathvolunteers@epath.org
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Join a City Board or Commission |
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The Board of Fair Campaign and Political Practices and the Federated City Employees' Retirement System have vacancies that need to be filled immediately.
Apply ASAP for consideration here.
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Men's Emotional
Support Groups
at Bascom Library
The staff at Bascom Library have launched this new, volunteer-led program to give men in San Jose the emotional support they need.
The Men's Support Group is a safe, non-judgmental place for men to share and listen. Participants must be 18+. If you are interested in participating in a meeting remotely, please contact Tom Hewitt.
See support group meeting dates and register here.
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Community Centers Open for Residents to Stay Dry |
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In response to the heavy storms, the Camden and Southside Community Centers will be open during business hours for residents to stay safe and dry. The Seven Trees Community Center will be open 24 hours. Individuals, families, and service animals are welcome. There is no need for a referral. |
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Keep Your Home Flood-Safe with Sandbags |
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Valley Water is offering free sandbags for all Santa Clara County residents. View sandbag sites here. There is currently a high demand for sandbags, some sites will not have prefilled sandbags. Please bring a shovel and a friend to help fill and carry bags to your vehicle.
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Prevent Car Theft and Break-Ins
San Jose Police Department Captain Brian Spears advises the following to protect your car and your valuables:
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Do NOT leave electronics in your car (laptops, cell phones, any device with a cellular, wifi, or Bluetooth connection)
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If you do accidentally leave an electronic in your car, make sure to turn it all the way OFF. Thieves can track electronic devices through wifi and/or Bluetooth connections which is why turning off your electronic device all the way off will protect you.
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Request a Neighborhood Watch meeting for your community. Police officials will inform you and your neighbors about the best security measures and how to discourage crimes in or near your homes.
- Park your car in your garage if you have one.
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Slow Down When Driving at Night and in the Rain |
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During this rainy season, please slow down and look out for pedestrians when you are driving. Please also make sure that your headlights are on.
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Overnight Warming Locations
The City has two overnight warming locations this winter. There is currently a waitlist, but I strongly encourage you to call or email the contacts below. There is no limit on how long one can stay at a warming location.
- 901 E. Santa Clara Street
- 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road
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Vaccinations and Boosters
Start this New Year happy and healthy. Protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 by getting vaccinated and boosted.
Children ages six months to four years old can receive their COVID-19 vaccine. Please call your child's doctor to ask for the vaccine. If your child does not have a regular doctor, call (866) 967-4677 for assistance enrolling in government programs or health coverage.
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Extended Library Hours
Stay warm and dry this winter by visiting our libraries.
16 of 24 San Jose Library branches have extended hours and are open on Sundays. One of those branches in District 6 is the Bascom Library. See the Bascom Library's hours below.
Monday: 1PM - 7PM
Tuesday: 10AM - 7PM
Wednesday: 10AM - 7PM
Thursday: 10AM - 7PM
Friday: 12PM - 6PM
Saturday: 10AM - 6PM
Sunday: 12PM - 5PM
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Let's start 2023 with the knowledge of what to recycle. Click here to learn more ways how to recycle right.
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New Year Cleaning
Make an appointment for a free junk pick-up to get rid of old mattresses and furniture.
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Lower Your Energy Bill
San José Clean Energy has the resources to lower your bill and pay off debt. Find ways to save energy and make your home more energy-efficient here or call 833-432-2454.
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San Jose Clean Energy
Efficient Business Program
The new San José Energy Efficient Business Program makes it easier and more affordable for local businesses and schools to save on energy costs. Know a business owner who could benefit? Send them this link.
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